Expert reveals cynical aim of Russian offensive in Kharkiv region

The Russian occupying army continues its offensive in Kharkiv, aiming to seize a “buffer zone” that would allow the Kremlin to push through a so-called “territorial swap” with Ukraine.

Military analyst Dmytro Sniehyriov voiced this view on Kyiv24.

“What we’re seeing in Kharkiv and Sumy regions reflects Russia’s attempt to create a so-called precedent for territorial exchange,” he said.

The expert says that Ukraine — including through U.S. diplomatic channels — has effectively been informed on the possible proposal: Moscow would pull back troops from parts of Kharkiv and Sumy regions in return for full control over Donetsk.

Sniehyriov stressed that such signals point to the Kremlin’s attempt to steer Kyiv into a negotiation track favorable to Moscow, using military pressure as a tool of political leverage.